RJ Payne Shares Advice From Mr. Porter and Recalls Meeting Eminem for the First Time: “I Couldn’t Move…”

Few rappers today carry the raw lyrical intensity of RJ Payne, a wordsmith widely recognized for his razor-sharp delivery and relentless pen game. But behind the bars lies a journey of learning, humility, and inspiration from legends. In a recent interview, Payne opened up about the invaluable advice from D12’s Denaun Porter, the dream of teaming up with Eminem and Tech N9ne, and the unforgettable night he met Slim Shady face-to-face for the very first time.

This article explores Payne’s revelations, the wisdom that shaped his artistry, and why his story underscores the importance of authenticity in hip-hop.

RJ Payne and the Advice That Changed His Career

Every rapper faces a moment of reckoning where they must decide what kind of artist they truly want to be. For RJ Payne, that moment came when he crossed paths with Mr. Porter (Denaun Porter), the producer, rapper, and longtime member of D12.

According to Payne, Porter told him something simple but profound: stop trying to outrap everyone and just focus on being yourself.

That message hit home during one of Payne’s most high-profile recording sessions. While working on “Hells Fury” with DJ Kay Slay, Rah Digga, Cory Gunz, Royce da 5’9”, and Papoose, Payne realized the truth in Porter’s words.

“I’m not here to be more technical than Cory Gunz,” Payne recalled. “You’re not gonna outrap Cory Gunz. You’re not gonna outrap Eminem. You just got to do what you do.”

This shift in perspective allowed Payne to unlock a new level of confidence. Instead of chasing comparisons, he doubled down on his own style—and fans quickly noticed the difference.

The Dream Collaboration: RJ Payne, Eminem, and Tech N9ne

When asked about his ultimate dream collab, Payne didn’t hesitate: Eminem and Tech N9ne.

Both Em and Tech are masters of speed rap and technical brilliance, and pairing them with Payne would create a lyrical showcase of staggering proportions.

“I would like to do a collab with me, Eminem, and Tech N9ne,” Payne said. “That would probably make me rap better than I’ve ever rapped in my life.”

For a rapper as skilled as Payne to admit that such a pairing could elevate his game speaks volumes about the respect he has for both artists. Fans who thrive on rapid-fire rhymes and intricate wordplay can only imagine what this trio might deliver if it ever became reality.

Eminem’s Praise for RJ Payne

Even though the two haven’t yet shared a track, the respect between Eminem and RJ Payne is mutual. After the release of Payne’s project “Leatherface 2”, Eminem gave him a massive co-sign while appearing on Lil Wayne’s show.

“RJ Payne, you know him?” Eminem said. “Yo, he kinda had a resurgence lately. I know he’s not a new artist but man, he’s a [expletive] animal.”

Such recognition from one of the greatest rappers of all time cemented Payne’s reputation as a serious force in the industry. It also proved that Eminem keeps his ear to the ground, paying close attention to rising and resurging talents.

The Night RJ Payne Met Eminem for the First Time

While professional respect means everything, nothing compares to the first time Payne actually met Eminem in person.

The year was the early 2000s, and thanks to Bizarre of D12, Payne found himself backstage in Atlantic City. He was there with Reed Dollaz and Eddie Morris, soaking in the atmosphere, when suddenly Slim Shady appeared.

“I couldn’t move. On my life, I couldn’t move,” Payne admitted. “I’m tapping Reed like, ‘Yo, yo’. And then Em was just like, ‘Yo, what’s going on, man?’”

To Payne’s amazement, Eminem already knew who they were. “He’s like, ‘Yeah, I know who they are. That’s Reign Man. That’s Reed Dollaz…’ He gave us that. And just as quick as Eminem walked up and gave us love, he walked away. No security. Blew my mind. He gave everybody love, let everybody know, ‘I know who you are. I’m a fan’. And just walked off into the night, and that’s how I met him. Super cool dude.”

For Payne, that brief but unforgettable exchange was life-changing. It proved that even at the height of his fame, Eminem remained humble, approachable, and genuinely interested in other artists.

Closing the Loop: Eminem Remembers RJ Payne Years Later

What makes the story even more powerful is that Eminem didn’t forget Payne. Years later, when the conversation resurfaced, Em recognized him—not as Reign Man, his old moniker, but as RJ Payne, the artist he had grown into.

“Em pays attention,” Payne reflected. “He pays a lot of attention.”

That recognition is rare in a music industry often accused of being cutthroat and dismissive. For Eminem to both remember and acknowledge Payne’s journey shows the kind of lasting impression true talent can leave.

Why RJ Payne’s Story Resonates

RJ Payne’s story highlights several important lessons for aspiring rappers and fans of the culture:

• Authenticity matters: The advice from Mr. Porter reminds us that the best artists don’t try to imitate—they lean into their individuality.

• Respect is earned, not demanded: Eminem’s recognition of Payne wasn’t based on hype but on skill and consistency.

• Moments can be life-changing: A brief backstage encounter shaped Payne’s memory for decades, reminding him that humility leaves a lasting mark.

• Dreams fuel growth: The idea of collaborating with Eminem and Tech N9ne isn’t just fantasy—it’s a motivation that pushes Payne to improve daily.

Conclusion: A Journey Defined by Respect and Persistence

From advice that reshaped his outlook to unforgettable memories with his idols, RJ Payne’s journey is a testament to persistence, authenticity, and passion for the craft.

The lessons from Mr. Porter, the admiration of Eminem, and the dream of working with Tech N9ne paint a picture of an artist constantly striving for growth while honoring those who came before him.

And perhaps most importantly, Payne’s recollection of his first meeting with Eminem proves that legends aren’t just defined by their music, but by the way they treat others.

For RJ Payne, that night in Atlantic City remains unforgettable. For fans, it’s a reminder that behind every sharp bar and fiery verse lies a story of inspiration, humility, and dreams waiting to be realized.